Is the end of handshaking the start of real fellowship?

Posted on March 12, 2020 
Filed under Opinion Comments Off on Is the end of handshaking the start of real fellowship?

“The latest recommendations for limiting the spread of Coronavirus include no handshaking.

For churches, where the handshake may be an informal, or sometimes official, type of greeting it may seem like a loss. I think it may be a gain and will cause us to rethink just how close our fellowship can be. …”

– At SydneyAnglicans.net, Russell Powell has a great suggestion for an alternative to a handshake.

Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

Posted on March 12, 2020 
Filed under Resources, Theology Comments Off on Fruit of the Spirit: Peace

Church Society has been posting Lent reflections on the theme of the Fruit of the Spirit.

The latest reflection – on Peace – is by Paul Harrington from Trinity Church Adelaide.

Other posts here.

Dear Christian, when the Pandemic hits, This is our Time

Posted on March 11, 2020 
Filed under Encouragement, Resources Comments Off on Dear Christian, when the Pandemic hits, This is our Time

“Dear Christian,

I’m guessing you’re starting to feel a little nervous.

The Coronavirus situation seems to be escalating day by day.

Yes, people are still in good spirits – and even making light of the situation (as seen by trending hashtags such as #ToiletPaperApocalypse). But the increasing numbers of empty rows at the supermarket is getting a little unnerving. …”

– At The Gospel Coalition Australia, Akos Balogh reminds Christians of the privilege we have of holding out the Word of Life to those around us – and how we can give hope to those who are afraid, and are wondering what’s going to happen.

California bill would require stores to feature gender-neutral sections for children’s goods

Posted on March 10, 2020 
Filed under Culture wars Comments Off on California bill would require stores to feature gender-neutral sections for children’s goods

“A bill set to be considered by the California State Assembly this month would punish large retailers in the state for having separate sections for children’s merchandise based only on gender.…”

– Report from the Washington Examiner.

Albert Mohler discusses the story in his daily Briefing – for 10th March 2020. (Part III.)

An invitation to hear about ministry opportunities in Tasmania

Posted on March 9, 2020 
Filed under Australian dioceses Comments Off on An invitation to hear about ministry opportunities in Tasmania

“Come and sample some of the tastes of Tasmania and hear about what God is doing in the Diocese of Tasmania.

The Bishop of Tasmania, Richard Condie, will be sharing some of the highlights and challenges of ministry on the Apple Isle, and talking about ministry opportunities for youth and children’s ministry, church planters, assistant ministers and rectors.

If you’re interested in Tassie, or wondering if God might be calling you to ‘come over and help us’, or just want to sample some Tassie produce, then come along and join us.”

– Bishop Condie will be in Melbourne and Sydney in mid-April.

A trial that should shame all Anglicans

Posted on March 8, 2020 
Filed under TEC Comments Off on A trial that should shame all Anglicans

“Remember that lovely, smiley American bishop who spoke at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle a couple of years ago?

And do you recall how he spoke so inspiringly, in the opinion of many, about love?

Yes, how the words of Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the US Episcopal Church, soared with poetry in the chapel at Windsor Castle as he declared: ‘When love is the way, there’s plenty good room – plenty good room – for all of God’s children.’…”

– At Christian Today, David Baker reminds us of the kind of ‘love’ shown to anyone who dares obey Christ instead of the leadership of The Episcopal Church.

Related posts on our site:

TEC Bishop directs his clergy not to use General Convention trial Marriage Rites – November 12, 2018.

Bishop William Love addresses the Albany Diocesan Convention – June 21, 2019.

Disciplinary hearing ahead for Albany Episcopal bishop– September 23, 2019.

 

Are we living out Romans 1?

Posted on March 7, 2020 
Filed under Culture wars, Theology Comments Off on Are we living out Romans 1?

“Practicing homosexuals — of which I was once one — may not be conscious of the larger, biblical meaning of their sin as outlined in Romans 1, but it would be to their betterment if they were. …”

– Rosaria Champagne Butterfield gives some very insightful comments at Desiring God.

Related:

An Atheist and a Pastor on Same-Sex Relations and the Image of the Self – Justin Taylor.

The Culture of Death Reclaims Ground in Germany: A Renewed Threat to Human Life

Posted on March 7, 2020 
Filed under Culture wars, History Comments Off on The Culture of Death Reclaims Ground in Germany: A Renewed Threat to Human Life

“When suicide becomes an option, it will not just be one option among others. We can easily see the deathly logic inherent in the loss of human dignity as a pillar of society. The most vulnerable and aging will be told, at some point, ‘You have simply become too expensive. Healthcare resources are wasted on you because you have no hope of recovery. You need to get out of the way in order to free up needed medical funds and resources for others.’

It won’t be said exactly in those words – that would be too intellectually honest for this worldview. But make no mistake, that is indeed the internal reasoning of a worldview system that utterly rejects human dignity and the sanctity of life. …”

– Albert Mohler writes bluntly about the past and the future of the Culture of Death. Well worth reading.

Urgent Prayer needed for Kenya’s Targeted Christians

Posted on March 6, 2020 
Filed under GAFCON, Resources Comments Off on Urgent Prayer needed for Kenya’s Targeted Christians

“Today we start looking at some specific situations of brothers and sisters in Christ who are being persecuted and threatened with even more persecution. We start with Kenya because of very disturbing news that has come out of northeastern Kenya. I would ask you to pray as you read, and throughout the weekend. Please share this news about what Christians in northern and eastern Kenya are facing with the rest of your church family, and hold this persecuted part of our global church family up for prayer in your Sunday services. …”

– An urgent prayer request from GAFCON.

Thanksgiving Service for Bishop Ivan Lee planned for Saturday 28th March

Posted on March 6, 2020 
Filed under People, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Thanksgiving Service for Bishop Ivan Lee planned for Saturday 28th March

It’s been announced that a Thanksgiving Service for Bishop Ivan Lee will be held at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Sydney on Saturday 28th March 2020 at 10:00am, followed by refreshments.

Bishop Lee was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening.

(2015 photo courtesy Anglican Media Sydney.)

Coronavirus precautions for churches updated

Posted on March 6, 2020 
Filed under Resources, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on Coronavirus precautions for churches updated

“Archbishop Glenn Davies has issued new recommendations for the Diocese of Sydney on procedures for ministry in the light of the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The advice updates the initial circular to churches in late January. It covers Holy Communion, Children’s ministry and food service, as well as general advice for personal interactions at church. …”

– The latest from SydneyAnglicans.net.

With thanksgiving for Bishop Ivan Lee. ACL President’s tribute

Posted on March 5, 2020 
Filed under People, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on With thanksgiving for Bishop Ivan Lee. ACL President’s tribute

The Anglican Church League notes with sadness the passing of Bishop Ivan Lee last night and will continue to uphold Virginia and the family in prayer for the consolation that can only come from our great shepherd Jesus in this difficult time.

Ivan was elected an Emeritus Vice President of the ACL due to his longstanding commitment to gospel work and the Evangelical cause within the Diocese of Sydney. His passion for reaching out to the lost, including his willingness to try new means of connecting with those outside the churches, was evident in every conversation with him.

Personally, having served on a number of committees with Ivan, I can testify that he could always be relied on to bring a considered and unique perspective to any issue, a perspective that caused us to reflect upon whether we had understood the challenges correctly and whether there were other more creative options open to us to progress the task at hand.

Ivan’s commitment to ‘be at work in his Master’s field’ during the difficult times of his illness was a great encouragement to those who worked with him, and was a reflection of his passion for the gospel and indeed the network of the Diocese of Sydney as a key and effective means of reaching the lost for Christ.

He will be greatly missed – but he is with our Lord, which is better by far.

Andrew Bruce
President of the Anglican Church League.

(Photo: Bishop Ivan Lee at Sydney Synod, October 2019. Courtesy Anglican Media Sydney.)

“We have lost a great champion for the gospel”

Posted on March 5, 2020 
Filed under People, Sydney Diocese Comments Off on “We have lost a great champion for the gospel”

“Long-serving Sydney Bishop, Ivan Lee, has passed away more than four years after being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.

Bishop Lee died last night (4th March) at Greenwich Hospital, where he had been receiving palliative care. …”

– Members of the Anglican Church League (of which Bishop Lee was a Vice-President) are deeply saddened to receive this news, but rejoice that Ivan is now with Christ.

Archbishop Glenn Davies writes:

“Our hearts ache for Virginia and her three daughters in their grief. They have cared for him so well and for so long, and since he entered hospital at the end of January, he has never been alone. May God comfort them in their sorrow.”

And in an e-mail today, Archbishop Davies writes,

“Sad news, yet we do not grieve as others do, who have no hope.
Ps 116:15.”

There will be a private funeral next week, followed by a public memorial service at St Andrew’s Cathedral on a date to be announced.

It pays to hold your nerve in the Transgender Debate

Posted on March 4, 2020 
Filed under Culture wars, Opinion Comments Off on It pays to hold your nerve in the Transgender Debate

“As Douglas Murray observes in his book The Madness of Crowds, we’re making long term decisions about people’s sexual and mental health based on untested ideas that have been around for the past twenty minutes.  And now people are starting to take a reality check. …”

– Stephen McAlpine sees signs that the tide beginning to turn. Image: BBC.

Does the Bible produce bigots?

Posted on March 3, 2020 
Filed under Evangelism, Resources Comments Off on Does the Bible produce bigots?

“Mardi Gras is upon us in Sydney. When thinking about the tension in society around the issue of same-sex attraction, it’s easy to wonder if you might actually be a bigot – because you’re a Christian. …”

– At The Australian Church Record, Ben George argues that the Bible produces not bigots, but forgiven rebels.

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